NEWCASTLE UNIVERSITY
COUNCIL
9 December 2013
Present:
Mr Mark I’Anson (in the Chair), the Vice-Chancellor, Dr Peter Andras, Dr John Appleby,
Ms Eve Berwin (Education Officer, Students’ Union), Professor Alan Boddy, Mr Neil
Braithwaite, Professor Vicki Bruce, Mr Mike Davison, Mr Jonathan Glass Mrs Jacqui
Henderson, Mr Robert Hull, Mr Stephen Lightley, Mr Jeff McIntosh, Mr Calum Mackenzie
(President, Students’ Union), Mr Simon Pleydell, and Mr Paul Walker.
In attendance: Professor Suzanne Cholerton, Professor Chris Day, Professor Charles Harvey,
Professor Steve Homans, Professor Tony Stevenson and Professor Nick Wright
(Pro-Vice-Chancellors), Dr John Hogan (Registrar), Mr Richard Dale (Executive
Director of Finance), Mrs Veryan Johnston (Executive Director of Human
Resources), and Mrs Sam Taylor (Executive Officer (Governance)).
Apologies: Professor Deborah Henderson, Mrs Heidi Mottram, and Professor Ella Ritchie.
Professor Judith Rankin, the incoming Chair of Diversity Committee, attended the meeting as an
observer.
Mr Simon Gerry, Newcastle University Students’ Union Chief Executive, attended for minute 62.
MINUTES
45.
DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
No declarations of interest were received.
46.
MINUTES
Noted that:
The minutes of the meeting of Council held on 28 October 2013 were approved as a
correct record and signed.
47.
MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
‘Commercial in confidence’ Minute, filed in the Minute Book.
48.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Received an oral report from Mrs Veryan Johnston, Executive Director of Human Resources, on
the current health and safety issues affecting the University.
Noted that:
1. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) had visited the University on 5 December to review
the transportation of radioactive materials. There will be some recommendations for
improvements to be made but no serious issues.
Council 9 December 2013
2. Further strike action by the Fire Brigade is schedule to take place on 13 and 14 December
between 6pm and 10pm. The Safety team are continuing to work with the Estates team to
ensure precautionary safety measures are in place.
49.
CHAIR’S BUSINESS
1.
Council Briefing Sessions
Council members were reminded of the forthcoming Council Briefing sessions:

19 December 2013, 11:00am-11:45am, L5.18 King’s Gate – Pro-Vice-Chancellor
Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering, ‘The role of the Faculty Pro-ViceChancellor within the Faculty and at a University-wide level – the structure and
operation of the faculties, schools and research institutes’.

24 February 2014, 11:30am-12:15pm L5.18 King’s Gate delivered by Pro-ViceChancellor Research and Innovation: The Research Strategy: an overview of the key
issues relating to this University.
Council members were reminded to inform Sam Taylor (sam.taylor1@ncl.ac.uk) if they
planned to attend these sessions.
50.
VICE-CHANCELLOR’S BUSINESS
Received the Vice-Chancellor’s report. Highlights of this report are discussed below.
[Circulated with the agenda as Document B. Copy filed in the Minute Book.]
1.
Deaths
Received a report on deaths recently announced by the University.
Resolved that Council record its deep regret and sympathy for the relatives
concerned. In particular, it noted the death of Professor Duncan Muchison who had
served as a Pro-Vice-Chancellor and for one year as Acting Vice-Chancellor.
2.
Vice-Chancellor visits abroad
The Vice-Chancellor has recently returned from visits to our overseas campuses in
Malaysia and Singapore, and to strategic partners in China (Xiamen), Australia (Monash),
and Indonesia (Universitas Indonesia).
Singapore: The Vice-Chancellor met with the new President of the Singapore Institute of
Technology (SIT), Professor Tan Thiam Soon. Newcastle University will continue to
develop the relationship with SIT as a major strategic partner.
Malaysia: The accommodation building for students at the International Student Village is
not satisfactory and is currently the only accommodation available on campus. The
Executive Director of Finance has been asked to look into alternatives for this.
Xiamen: Xiamen University is one of our international Strategic Partners, along with
Groningen, Monash and SIT. A proposal for a joint and equal partnership with them for the
two Business Schools to offer an International Management programme as a dual degree
has been accepted. A joint Strategic Partnership Board has now been constituted, with
three senior representatives from each university; this includes Professor Ella Ritchie,
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Council 9 December 2013
Professor Charles Harvey and Professor Steve Hughes from Newcastle University. Each of
the Partners has a lead person; this is Professor Hughes from our University.
Monash: The Vice-Chancellor was joined by Professor Chris Day to visit Monash University
with a view to re-focus the relationship on Medical Sciences, building on the longstanding
collaboration in Neuroscience.
Universitas Indonesia: The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been renewed.
3.
HEFCE Postgraduate Support Scheme
Newcastle University is a member of a consortium, led by Sheffield and including University
of Leeds, University of Manchester, University of York and University of Warwick, which has
been successful in gaining funding from HEFCE’s Postgraduate Support Scheme. The
project aims to investigate factors affecting widening access to postgraduate study and the
professions and provides over £4m to be delivered to support postgraduate students across
the consortium. Newcastle University’s specific role is to model the postgraduate taught
landscape through qualitative and quantitative data gathering in order to develop an
understanding of motivations and barriers to PGT study for students.
4.
Doctoral Training Partnership
Notification has been received that the NERC IAPETUS Doctoral Training Partnership bid
was successful. The consortium brings together the Universities of Durham, Glasgow,
Newcastle, St Andrews and Stirling with the British Geological Survey and the Centre for
Ecology & Hydrology. The consortium will receive £5m from NERC which is sufficient to
fund in excess of 60 PhD studentships over the next five years.
It was also noted that the School of Mechanical & Systems Engineering is to collaborate in
a new ESPRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Additive Manufacture and 3D Printing. The
new Centre will train 70 researchers in the multidisciplinary field of additive manufacturing
and provide with industry-facing skills to become future leaders in additive manufacturing.
The Centre will be led by Nottingham University with collaboration from Newcastle,
Liverpool and Loughborough universities. Professor Kenny Dalgarno will be leading for
Newcastle University.
5.
Research Excellence Framework (REF)
The University submitted the REF return on 27 November 2013. The outcome of the
REF is expected to be available in December 2014.
6.
George Brown Endowment Fund
The Hatton Gallery, despite being one of Newcastle University’s key cultural assets has
received no major investment in its fabric and infrastructure in the past 30 years.
In order to provide a high quality venue for the display of historic and contemporary art,
to care for a listed building with an important collection and to engage fully with visitors
and learners, a capital re-development project is planned to improve the Hatton Gallery
and a major fundraising campaign was launched on 18 November.
Senate at its meeting on 26 November, approved, subject to the agreement of Council,
that £500,000 is released from the George Brown Endowment fund to support the
capital works.
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Council 9 December 2013
Resolved that Council approve that £500,000 be released from the George Brown
Endowment fund.
7.
Donation
At the meeting of Council on 28 October, Council were advised that notification of an
unrestricted legacy of over £500,000 from a retired member of staff, Dr Constance Mary
Fraser, had been received. The donation has now been confirmed for the amount of
£524k, and Council are asked to approve the donation to the University.
Resolved that Council approve the donation of £524k to the University.
8.
Newcastle University Information Technology (NUIT)
Executive Board have agreed to establish NUIT, the University’s unified approach to
delivering IT service. This will strengthen the performance in underpinning research and
teaching, by ensuring that our IT experts are aligned and working together.
Three Faculty IT Managers will be recruited reporting initially to the Director of NUIT but
located in each Faculty. Once in place, IT staff from each Faculty will report to the
Faculty IT Manager.
The introduction of NUIT will improve consistency, minimise risk and improve cover.
They will provide both a lead advocate for each Faculty and a professional development
path for IT staff.
9.
Queen’s Anniversary Prize 2014
Newcastle University was announced as a winner of the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for
its pioneering research into rural economies and societies.
The Prize was announced at a special reception at St James’s Palace which was
attended by the Chancellor, Sir Liam Donaldson and the Vice-Chancellor. It will be
awarded to the University for our internationally-recognised research into sustainable
rural economies and societies, led by the Centre for Rural Economy, which has
influenced policy and practice around the world.
Queen’s Anniversary Prizes are awarded by the Royal Anniversary Trust to honour work
of outstanding importance and quality in higher and further education in the UK. This is
the third occasion on which Newcastle University has been awarded a Queen’s
Anniversary Prize. Previously the University gained the Prize in 2005 for its innovative
solutions to mine water pollution, and again in 2009 for research into ageing. By
recognising the University’s excellence in the field of rural economy research, this latest
Prize means that research being carried out under all three of the Societal Challenge
themes has now been recognised, making for a sector-leading ‘hat trick’ of Anniversary
Prizes.
This year the Centre for Rural Economy celebrates its 21st anniversary, and on 27
November, a £2.5 million fundraising campaign to secure the Centre’s future and
maintain our position at the forefront of rural economic research was launched at
Alnwick Castle.
10. Late News
(i)
Lord Mayor’s Design Awards
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Council 9 December 2013
The Lord Mayor’s Design Awards have been held every two years since 1994 to promote
and publicise the best in architecture and environmental design in Newcastle. This year’s
awards focus on buildings which have been created between September 2011 and August
2013.
Newcastle University buildings claimed 3 awards which included the INTO building being
named the People’s Choice favourite building in the city from an internet poll of votes. The
Landscape award went to Newcastle University Student Forum and the Refurbishment
award went to Newcastle University Students’ Union.
(ii)
The Chancellor’s Autumn Statement 2013
The Autumn Statement 2013 announced that the government will remove the cap on
student numbers at publicly funded higher education institutions in England by 2015-16.
This will enable institutions to expand their provision to meet demand from an estimated
60,000 young people a year who have the grades to enter higher education but cannot
currently secure a place. This announcement came as a surprise to the sector.
The government is committed to selling off the student loan book after five years to a
financial provider who would be able to make profit from it.
(iii)
Industrial Action
UNISON, UCU and Unite balloted their members for industrial action in response to the
final pay offer of 1% plus joint work on gender pay and casual work. All three unions voted
in favour of strike action, UCU have also voted in favour of action short of strike. A strike
day was held on 31 October and 3 December.
11. Early Warnings
(i)
Student Recruitment
Student recruitment showed outstanding results for 2013, but a decrease in the student
recruitment numbers is expected for 2014.
(ii)
Research Income
The recent excellent progress on research income is expected to reduce following the
submission of the Research Excellence Framework (REF) owing in part to the leading
researchers having projects which now needed to be delivered.
(iii)
Rankings
Newcastle University was ranked 198th in the world in the Times Higher Education world
league table.
This matter will be discussed at the Executive Board Away day, and feedback will be
given to the joint meeting of Senate and Council, at its meeting 28 April 2014.
A number of Council members commented on the dangers of any significant change to
our strategy in an attempt to chase league tables.
51.
STRATEGIC RISK REGISTER SUMMARY
Received:
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Council 9 December 2013
(a) The full Strategic Risk Register from Dr John Hogan, Registrar, on behalf of Executive
Board.
(b) The Strategic Risk Register Summary.
[Circulated with the agenda as Documents C and D. Copies filed in the Minute Book.]
‘Commercial in confidence’ Minute, filed in the Minute Book.
52.
VISION 2021: INSTITUTIONAL KPI REPORT
Received a report on the Institutional Strategic Objectives and KPIs from Professor Tony
Stevenson, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Planning and Resources, on behalf of Executive Board.
[Circulated with the agenda as Document E. Copy filed in the Minute Book.]
Noted that:
53.
1.
The Institutional Strategic Objectives and KPIs are presented at specific meetings of
Council throughout the year.
2.
There were no changes to the report on this occasion and the ratings remain the same
as those reported to Council at its meeting on 28 October.
3.
It was noted that only one of the Societal Challenge Themes were graded as ‘green’.
Council noted that this information was reviewed and discussed by Executive Board and
at Faculty level.
LEARNING, TEACHING AND STUDENT EXPERIENCE STRATEGY
Received the refreshed Learning, Teaching and Student Experience Strategy from Professor
Suzanne Cholerton, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Learning and Teaching, on behalf of Executive Board.
[Circulated with the agenda as Document F. Copy filed in the Minute Book.]
Noted that:
1.
Following the refresh of the Vision 2021 strategic plan and in response to changes in the
undergraduate funding regime, the Learning, Teaching and Student Experience Strategy has
been refreshed.
2.
Consultations on the content and key themes of the strategy have been undertaken to review
the strategic objectives for learning, teaching and the student experience as set out in Vision
2021 which are used as the basis of the headline strategic objectives. During the consultation
process, it was apparent that the core themes of the previous strategy were still valid, and
there are also substantial elements of work which are ongoing, such as the five year
programme to deliver the Newcastle Offer for undergraduate students, and continuing work
to bring about improvement on key themes, such as assessment and feedback. The revised
strategy reflects that continuity.
3.
The Council Briefing session: ‘The Learning, Teaching and Student Experience Strategy - an
overview of the key issues relating to this University’ given by the Pro-vice-Chancellor
Learning and Teaching, had taken place at the request of the Chair. Feedback from the
session was that this had been a useful session.
4.
Senate looked at the significant work undertaken to develop the student offer, which is
ongoing. It is intended for ULTSEC to review the KPIs used to monitor the implementation of
the strategy, and for diversification of the portfolio.
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Council 9 December 2013
5.
A distinctive feature of Newcastle University is our research informed teaching.
6.
ULTSEC have a strategy hour at each of their meetings, allowing focus to be given to the
student experience, and the impact made.
7.
The University has a good track record with the ncl+ offer, but is looking to expand the offer.
The intention is to increase the employment related skills of students.
8.
Senate, at its meeting on 26 November approved the refreshed Learning, Teaching and
Student Experience Strategy report, subject to the approval of Council. Some attention was
required on staff student ratios especially in light of the growth agenda.
Resolved that Council approve the refreshed Learning, Teaching and Student Experience
Strategy report.
Received the progress report from Professor Suzanne Cholerton, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Learning
and Teaching, on behalf of Executive Board.
[Circulated with the agenda as Document G. Copy filed in the Minute Book.]
Noted that:
1. Since the University Learning, Teaching, and Student Experience Committee last reported to
Senate at its meeting 2 July 2013, the only update to report was the National Student Survey
reported an overall satisfaction score of 90%, an increase of 1% on the previous year.
2. The Diversifying our Portfolio Steering Group (DOP) has been established to ensure the
University’s portfolio of Postgraduate taught and CPD programmes meets the needs of
potential students and employers. This information will be disseminated to Schools and
Institutes via the Faculty Learning, Teaching and Student Experience committees.
3. As part of the growth agenda some consideration was required on the issue of focus on
diversity as the best approach.
4. The number of ReCap venues has increased during the summer, to increase the coverage
from 62 venues in 2012/13 to 204 for the start of academic year 2013/14.
5. Senate, at its meeting on 26 November endorsed the progress report the University Learning,
Teaching and Student Experience committee, to be reported to Council.
Resolved that Council endorse the progress report from the University Learning, Teaching
and Student Experience Committee.
Received a report from Professor Suzanne Cholerton, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Learning and
Teaching on behalf of Executive Board.
[Circulated with the agenda as Document H. Copy filed in the Minute Book.]
Noted that:
1. Several HEI League Tables and KIS use the percentage of 1s and 2:1s as a metric. The
Degree Classifications report shows 78% of our degrees awarded are at either first or 2:1
level.
2. For first class degrees, Newcastle University lies below the comparator group average and
for 2:1 degrees the result is similar to the comparator group average.
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Council 9 December 2013
3. There has been an increase in the award of firsts and 2:1 degrees over recent years both
nationally and at Newcastle University which may relate to an increased emphasis on the
student experience and an increase in the qualifications of students being admitted. External
Examiners are satisfied that the degrees awarded reflect the student achievement.
4. ULTSEC has previously undertaken a review of this information by subject area in the
comparator groups and our results are in line with national levels.
5. From 2013-14 there will be 20 institutions involved in a pilot of the introduction of Grade
Point Average (GPA) as an alternative or addition to the degree classification system. GPA
is calculated on a rolling basis from the start of a students course and is the final or
summative score, it avoids relative stage weightings as a potential source of grade inflation
and encourages student engagement. However it still has a ‘cliff edge’ issue on the score of
‘3’.
6. Senate, at its meeting on 26 November endorsed the paper to be presented to Council and
confirmed that the proportion of 1st and 2:1s awarded was in line with national benchmarks
and expectations.
7. Processes of Examination Boards are now more transparent.
Resolved that the Pro-Vice-Chancellor and the Executive Director of Finance would
review the statistical information in the report against the information provided in the
Financial Statements to clarify the differences in the information reported.
54.
STUDENT RECRUITMENT STRATEGY
Received a Student Recruitment Strategy from Professor Suzanne Cholerton, Pro-ViceChancellor Learning and Teaching, on behalf of Executive Board.
[Circulated with the agenda as Document J. Copy filed in the Minute Book.]
‘Commercial in confidence’ Minute, filed in the Minute Book.
55.
HUMAN RESOURCES STRATEGY PROGRESS REPORT
Received a progress report on the Human Resources Strategy from Mrs Veryan Johnston,
Executive Director of Human Resources, on behalf of Executive Board.
[Circulated with the agenda as Document L. Copy filed in the Minute Book.]
Noted that:
1. The Human Resources Strategy was approved by Council in June 2010, and the strategic
objectives were reviewed in 2012.
2. With the introduction of major projects focussed on ‘Raising the Bar’ and ‘Growth’ a refresh
of the Strategy may be necessary.
3. The continuing emphasis on both the percentage of staff undergoing PDRs and their
effectiveness.
56.
FACULTY OF MEDICAL SCIENCES
The Future of Ageing
Considered a report from Professor Chris Day, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Faculty of Medical
Sciences, on behalf of Executive Board.
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Council 9 December 2013
[Circulated with the agenda as Document M. Copy filed in the Minute Book.]
Noted that Senate were asked to approve, the establishment of the Newcastle Institute for
Ageing and the disestablishment of the Institute for Ageing and Health, subject to the approval
of Council.
Resolved that:
(i)
(ii)
Council approve the disestablishment of the Newcastle Institute for Ageing and
Health.
The establishment of the Newcastle Institute for Ageing be approved.
School of Medical Sciences Education Development
Considered a report from Professor Chris Day, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Faculty of Medical
Sciences, on behalf of Executive Board.
[Circulated with the agenda as Document J. Copy filed in the Minute Book.]
Noted that:
1. The current responsibility for the delivery of the MBBS programme is split between the
MBBS office within the Faculty of Medical Sciences and the School of Medical Sciences
Education Development (SMSED).
2. Senate, at its meeting on 26 November, approved the establishment of a School of Medical
Education, and the disestablishment of the School of Medical Sciences Education
Development subject to the meeting of Council.
Resolved that:
(i) Council approve the establishment of a School of Medical Education.
(ii) The disestablishment of the School of Medical Sciences Education Development be
approved.
57.
REPORT FROM AUDIT COMMITTEE
Considered a report from the meeting of Audit Committee, held on 21 November 2013.
[Circulated with the agenda as Document O. Copy filed in the Minute Book.]
58.
REPORT FROM FINANCE COMMITTEE
Considered a report from the meeting of Finance Committee, held on 5 December 2013.
[Copy filed in the Minute Book.]
‘Commercial in confidence’ Minute, filed in the Minute Book.
59.
REPORT FROM NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE
Considered a report from the meeting of Audit Committee, held on 25 November 2013.
[Circulated with the agenda as Document P. Copy filed in the Minute Book.]
‘Commercial in confidence’ Minute, filed in the Minute Book.
60.
REPORT FROM REMUNERATION COMMITTEE
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Council 9 December 2013
Considered a report from the meeting of Audit Committee, held on 25 November 2013.
[Circulated with the agenda as Document Q. Copy filed in the Minute Book.]
‘Commercial in confidence’ Minute, filed in the Minute Book.
61.
REPORT FROM UNIVERSITY/STUDENTS’ UNION PARTNERSHIP COMMITTEE
Considered a report from the meeting of Audit Committee, held on 29 October 2013.
[Circulated with the agenda as Document R. Copy filed in the Minute Book.]
Noted that:
1. The relationship agreement, developed in 2012-13, was renewed, agreed and signed.
2. The Newcastle University Students’ Union (NUSU) were commended on their achievements
detailed in the Students’ Union Impact report, and the report should be distributed
throughout the University and to key external organisations. It was noted that future editions
of the report may be enhanced by greater use of photography relating specifically to
Newcastle.
62.
STUDENTS’ UNION IMPACT REPORT
Received the Students’ Union Impact Report 2012-13 from Mr Calum Mackenzie, President,
Students’ Union and Mr Simon Gerry, Newcastle University Students’ Union Chief Executive.
[Circulated at the meeting. Copies filed in the Minute Book.]
Noted that:
1. The excellent performance indicators for the Students’ Union and the continuing progress
on engaging all students.
2. The main issues relate to the availability of space and investment especially in sport.
Resolved that Mr Mackenzie and Mr Gerry be thanked for their informative presentation.
63.
EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY
Considered:
(a) A report on the Equality and Diversity Strategy from Mrs Veryan Johnston, Executive
Director of Human Resources, on behalf of Executive Board.
(b) The Annual Equality and Diversity Monitoring report
[Circulated with the agenda as Documents S and T. Copies filed in the Minute Book.]
Noted that:
1. Council, at its meeting on 13 December 2010 approved the Single Equality Scheme for
2010-2013. This had now undergone a review which included the renaming of the scheme
as the Equality Strategy.
2. The University is required by law to review the Equality Strategy and Action plan every three
years and to publish the revised documents on our website. The next review will take place
in 2016.
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Council 9 December 2013
3. The University is required to publish equality and diversity monitoring information on an
annual basis and publicise the information on our website.
4. Newcastle University is committed to the Athena SWAN Charter for women in science, and
successfully renewed its Athena SWAN bronze award in November 2012. All schools and
institutes in the Faculties of Medical Sciences and Science, Agriculture and Engineering are
working towards submitting Athena SWAN applications. The University is working towards
achieving silver status by 2015.
Resolved:
(i)
That Council approve Equality and Diversity Strategy and Action plan for
2013-16.
(ii) Council thanked Professor Bruce for her work as Chair of Diversity Committee.
(iii) Council welcomed Professor Rankin, taking over the role of Chair of Diversity
Committee.
64.
STUDENT ACCOMMODATION
Considered a report on UK Student Residential Accommodation from Dr John Hogan, Registrar,
on behalf of Executive Board.
[Circulated with the agenda as Document U. Copy filed in the Minute Book.]
‘Commercial in confidence’ Minute, filed in the Minute Book.
65.
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE UNIVERSITY
Received the Annual Report of the University, “Profile and Annual Review 2014”.
[Copy filed in the Minute Book.]
66.
REVIEW OF STUDENT RENTS
Considered the review of student rents from Dr John Hogan, Registrar, on behalf of Executive
Board.
[Circulated with the agenda as Document W. Copy filed in the Minute Book.]
‘Commercial in confidence’ Minute, filed in the Minute Book.
67.
CHAIR’S CIRCULAR
Chair’s circulars of routine business were sent to members on 18 November 2013.
Approved business:
(i) Staff Intellectual Property Policy
(ii) Disposal of University Property
Items for information:
(i) INTO Annual Report
(ii) Reported Business
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